Stater of Euelthon by Euelthon

c. 430

Stater of Euelthon

Listen to curator's interpretation

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Curatorial notes

Curator: Look at the patina on this "Stater of Euelthon," a silver coin currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums, weighing in at 10.88 grams. Editor: It feels rough and tactile, almost like a worn pebble. The imperfections speak to its age and usage. Curator: Absolutely. Think of the labor involved in its creation—the mining, smelting, and hammering. The material value of the silver itself would have been considerable. This wasn't just money; it was a statement. Editor: And the imagery of the ram! What role did it play in society? Was it a religious symbol, a marker of wealth, or connected to a particular ruler? We can see how power and belief intersect. Curator: Precisely. Every mark, every imperfection tells a story about its creation and circulation within a specific historical context. Editor: Considering its journey, one can't help but admire this small object's ability to link us to past power structures.